Judgment Day At The UN

Let the United Nations Security Council melodrama begin! Or, should it be dubbed "circus?" Here witness another Olympiad affair where diplomats strut and strive upon the world stage—posturing their responsible management skills to reconcile the irreconcilable, to achieve the unachievable, to appear altogether decisive, resolute despite inane rhetoric and meaningless pontifications and gamesmanship par excel lance.

This second week of March, 2006, will witness this initial volley at the UN’s Roundtable discussion on what sanctions, if any, should the UN administer to Iran’s persistence in developing its nuclear program—a program they utterly believe will free them from dependence on oil and give them untold purified profits in selling the world’s third most proven reserves—133Bbls. (the US has a poultry 22Bbls.) (World Fact Book, US Central Intelligence Agency, Rank Order, Proved Oil Reserves).

RUSSIA & CHINA TO THE RESCUE

Not that the Sino-Russian attempt to forestall the inevitable debacle awaiting the United Nations’ "chastisement" of Iran is possible—it is, nevertheless, noteworthy to observe the bear and the panda playing together:

"Time is rapidly running out for world leaders to reach a diplomatic resolution to the standoff over Iran’s nuclear program. But this has not discouraged final attempts at diplomacy. In the latest effort, Russia called on Friday for crisis talks with China, the United States, France, Germany and Britain, with the aim of reaching a long-sought consensus. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who described the current deadlock as ‘critical,’ expressed hope that the informal talks could pave the way toward consensus in the UN Security Council, which is due to discuss the issue next week. But U.S. officials rejected Russia’s proposal, saying that the matter should now be left to the Security Council."

"Most of the parties that have been involved in discussions over Iran’s nuclear program are still holding on to the hope, however slim, that a compromise can be reached through negotiation. Top officials from Russia, China and the European Union have expressed a desire to resolve the crisis through discussion. Even U.S. President George W. Bush on Friday voiced his wish to ‘solve these issues diplomatically.’ But none have ruled out the possibility of sanctions if Tehran refuses to back down." (Iran nuclear row proceeds toward the brink, despite compromise attempts, The Daily Star, Saturday, March 11, 2006)

Russia and China are "intimately involved" with Iran’s economy with trade between Iran and the Sino-Russians ever-increasing:

"At present, more than 100 Chinese firms are involved in Iran, also cooperating to develop ports, jetties, airports in six cities, mine-development projects and, of course, oil and gas. Trade between the two countries in 2005 hit a new record of US$9.5 billion, compared with $7.5 billion in 2004." (China's energy insecurity and Iran's crisis, Kaveh L. Afrasiabi, Feb. 10, 2006, Asia Times Online)

And keep this in your thinking when it comes to China’s "neutral" impressions of Iran relative to sanctions:

"China's demand for a stable Iranian - and Persian Gulf - supply of oil and gas is critical for its rapidly growing economy. As the world's second-largest oil consumer in the world after the United States, China has been a net oil importer since 2003; its dependence on foreign oil reached 40% in 2004. According to the Energy Information Agency, China alone accounted for one-third of global oil-demand growth during the period 2001-04. Still, its total oil imports accounted only for 6.6% of the total global oil trade in 2004." (Ibid, Kaveh L. Afrasiabi)

Russia, on the other hand, has some 1,500 specialists working at the Iranian Bushehr power plant—initially started by the Germans (Siemens). According to Vladimir Kutschinov, the spokesperson of the Federal Atomic Energy Agency, ‘Rosatom’ the power plant will be operational next year (Feb. 2007).

Remember, it was Russia who encouraged the Iran-Russian joint-venture to enrich uranium. The Russians are aggressively proposing that the uranium enrichment be done in Russia—supervised by the IAEA. The Iranians want the enrichment to take place on their soil and limit the operating time of the joint-venture to extend for only two years, after which the uranium would be exclusively enriched in Iran under Iranian auspices. But here’s where the bear’s playing with the peacock becomes a little cumbersome in that an eagle (a bald one at that) keeps flying overhead . . .

"If negotiations fail, (Russia) will refer the ‘Iran dossier’ to be voted on at the UN Security Council. Yet until now there have been no indications that Russia would be in favor of sanctions or military intervention. Quite the opposite. By imposing sanctions, the Iranian nuclear program will ‘not be delayed, but will be accelerated,’ warns the Chairman of the Committee of the Russian Federation on International Affairs, Iran dossier.’ As long as Iran distances itself from the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Russia will continue to urge Teheran to comply with earlier treaties." (Russia’s Interest in Iran, Feb. 24, 2006, Café Babel, The European Magazine, Ulrich Heyden, out of Moscow)

Did someone say, "Café Babel?" Sure sounds like that—or just what are these "earlier treaties?" In any event, is there any wonder that the following prophetic barb from Daniel’s scenario makes a whole lot more sense than the Babel coming out of Moscow?

"BUT NEWS FROM THE NORTH AND EAST SHALL TROUBLE HIM" . . . Daniel 11:44a

The real possibility of an Iran-Sino-Russia axis is not out of the question. The IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) referral of Iran’s nuclear program this week to the UN Security Council heightens the focus on the peculiar relationship between the Mullahs of Iran and the Sino-Russians—especially, in light of the aforementioned economic ties.

Moscow-Beijing will have to figure out how (as two of the five permanent members of the Security Council with veto power) to keep Iran’s lucrative trade and energy resources flowing (especially to China) or find themselves isolated from the US-Euro alignment now in full swing against the Prince of Persia.

In deference to the Federation, whose fortunes have always cast them betwixt and between East and West, it would appear that a bear straddling the fence displaying great finesse does so to enhance lucrative trade between BOTH Iran and the US-Euro alliance. Frankly, Russia is not intimidated by Iran’s oil production—but she sure doesn’t want her $1B deal on the Bushehr nuclear project to go down the cooling tower through "unnecessary UN-sanctions." Why? Because there’s tons more for Moscow where that came from! Besides, American military technology is so superior—so, with Iran not buying anything from the US, that leaves Russia the complete playing field and a bonanza in military sales with their southern neighbor. Ah, as always, the Russian novel is fraught with Sino-intrigue . . .

"Meanwhile, China is becoming even more dependent on Iran for energy. A November 2004 deal to supply China with gas worth USD100 billion will likely rise to a total of USD200 billion after a similar oil agreement is finalized. Iran will export 10 million tones of liquefied natural gas (LNG) annually for 25 years in return for Chinese investment in exploration and drilling. This energy co-operation is rendering the US administration's economic sanctions on Iran ineffective. However, the Russians must now assess the likelihood of being supplanted by China if they appear willing to trade favors with Washington and lose the confidence of Tehran. Iran may yet emerge as a leading member of a post-Cold War alliance which will work to undermine US regional objectives." (27 October 2005, An Iran-Russian-China Axis? (Janes International)

So . . . where’s this whole shooteriee heading? In sum: No where fast! But we’ll get to that in a moment, but first . . .

SUBTERFUGERHYMES WITH CENTRIFUGE

The IAEA’s final decision to dump Iran’s entire subterfuge before the United Nation’s Security Council did not come over night—it’s been going on for years! Two-and-one-half years ago . . .

"The 26 August 2003 IAEA report provides information making clear Iran has consistently misled the Agency about its enrichment program. First, as paragraph 30 reveals, Iran's centrifuge enrichment program did not begin in 1997, as Iran initially told the Agency, but in 1985, i.e., almost 20 year ago. Second, Iran's centrifuge program is not entirely indigenous, as Iran initially told the Agency and as AEOI President Agazadeh assured an informal meeting of the IAEA Board on 06 May 2003. Iran later said it received centrifuge drawings in 1987 from a still unnamed foreign intermediary and, in addition, Iran said it imported components for centrifuges and a cascade design. Third, the Kalaye Electric Company -- which Iran originally told the IAEA only produced centrifuge components -- now is said to have been a central part of its centrifuge testing program for five years (1997-2002); but Iran still claims, implausibly, that it never introduced nuclear material into centrifuges." (GlobalSecurity.org, Weapons of Mass Destruction)

Now, Iran’s latest bombast—ever see a peacock get mad? They’re a lot like roosters—a whole lot of sound and fury signifying nothing. Take the latest chirping-with-feathers-unfurled for an impressive display of pomp and circumstance:

"The United States may have the power to cause harm and pain, but it is also susceptible to harm and pain. So if the United States wants to pursue that path, let the ball roll" (Javad Vaeedi, senior Iranian nuclear negotiator).

This conflicted metaphor was delivered to the 35-nation board of the International Atomic Energy Agency as a formal (separate) statement, shortly before the IAEA forwarded the "Iran issue" to the UN Security Council. It was followed up by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s retort:

"(Those who) violate the rights of the Iranian nation will quickly regret their actions."

A lot of those who are violating the rights of the Iranian nation are coming from, among others like the USA, the UK et al, none other than the very nation Iran is trying to "wipe off the map" – Israel . . . whose Jerusalem Post slightly inflated the remarks made by IAEA Chairman, Muhammad ElBaradei (by around two years or so), and, for all intents and purposes, affirms the imminent nuclear device will appear at any moment!

"IAEA chairman Muhammad El-Baradei on Monday confirmed Israel's assessment that Iran is only a few months away from creating an atomic bomb.

"If Teheran indeed resumed its uranium enrichment in other plants, as threatened, it will take it only ‘a few months’ to produce a nuclear bomb, El-Baradei told The Independent. However, ElBaradei didn’t confirm Israel’s assessment, since - in the worst case scenario - Iran is two years and a few months away from being able to acquire the full fuel cycle." (The Raw Story, Dec. 5, 2005)

JUDGMENT DAY ON THE UN

Searching for the appropriate preposition at the commencement of this tome was difficult—once again, for the overall thrust of this pronouncement has little to do with Iran’s demise, but that of the United Nations itself!

President Bush has insisted, that although Iran’s been exposed for its chicanery, he will take the high road of diplomacy and give them a reprieve of one month—a sort of sop to his buddy Vladimir Putin, for old time’s sake.

"The first step will be a ‘strong statement’ about Iran, which means a statement by the Council president that lacks the force of a formal resolution. But Mr. Burns (R. Nicholas Burns, under secretary of state for political affairs) said that if the Iranian government did not ‘accede to the wishes of the international community, then of course we would have to look at possible targeted sanctions, which a number of countries are already beginning to explore . . . the sanctions ‘will be specifically targeted to pressure the regime and Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, rather than hurting the great majority of innocent Iranians’" (Elaine Sciolino, Threats Rattle at Nuclear Meeting on Iran, The New York Times, March 9, 2006).

Somehow all this has a familiar ring to it—where did we have this little discussion before? . . . . Yes, that’s it! . . . President Bush finally told the UN to get off its posterior and get with the program on Iraq or become—what was it again? . . . Yes, irrelevant!

It was September, 2002 and 2003, that the President of these United States chided the United Nations and warned of its irrelevance:

"A difficult and defining moment . . . Will the United Nations serve the purpose of its founding, or will it be irrelevant?"

And, the rest is history. When an organization becomes irrelevant it no longer serves its intended purpose as world policeman, in this case; instead, at best, it functions as a kind of rubber stamp, sounding board, and ultimate international relief organization akin to the Red Cross, Crescent, or Magen David.

The UN’s charter declares it "take effective, collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to the peace." Its glaring failures throughout the planet to perform such chores—be it Sudan, Rwanda, Srebrenica, Cambodia, excreta, defines the hollow illusion of a dream from whence the victim has never awakened. The "Oil for Food" Program—and the investigation thereof, now mired in its own controversy—has left the chamber in disgrace and naught but a forum to bash Babylon the Great, who has just about had it with this body of fumble bums.

BEWARE OF THE IDES OF MARCH—LET THE BALL ROLL!

The UN will either become a tool in the hand of the United States of America to orchestrate Iran’s final devolution or be devalued itself—that is precisely what you will witness during the Ides of March, trust me. What we are about to observe is a periodic ritual wherein the cobra will exhaust itself by striking out at the ever-prancing, furry, and exhaustless mongoose until the mongoose destroys the serpent. Only thing is—it will take thirty days to accomplish this fete.

The allegory is horrible—much like the entire disconnect that will transpire at the United Nations this month. Iran didn’t get the metaphor of "fine, let the ball roll" – neither will it see the huge 18-wheeler plowing into its scooter.

A much better metaphor, of course, is found in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. An unknown soothsayer tells Caesar—already strolling to his March assassination on the floor of the Roman Senate: "Beware the Ides of March." Upon which the overweening propriety of one Julius remarks: "He is a dreamer; let us leave him. Pass."

The Bush-Blair-Olmert cabal (or whoever else gets elected in Israel) has utterly no intention of defining the Middle East with a nuclear-armed Iran at the ready: ABSOLUTELY NONE! We guarantee you, a massive bombardment is about to commence upon the Iranian nuclear web—and, anyone who postulates otherwise has no idea with whom they are dealing. Neither the Iranian cobra, nor the pesky Anglo-American-Israeli mongoose will disappoint a world audience set to watch this Mother of All Mismatches.

In keeping with the forthcoming charade before this prestigious, but irrelevant, world body deciding the fate of Iran, are those members of the Patriotic Church of America who temporarily gloat over the HEGEMON’s pending romp through the Iranian tulip patch—but remember: You’re only along for the ride providing moral covering. Eventually . . .

"And the ten horns which you saw on the beast, these will hate the harlot, make her desolate and naked, eat her flesh and burn her with fire (precisely what happened to the Apostate Jezebel, the Phoenician Princess who corrupted Ahab’s court during Elijah’s prophetic witness) . . . for God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled" (Revelation 17:16-17).

Yes! I have the audacity to conclude this worldly, yet sane analysis, by invoking the inviolate intervention of the divine —but then, the insanity of the kingdoms of this world can scarce be otherwise explained! And, finally, I hopefully leave you in the realms of critical thinking to ponder the archetype of Antichrist, Antiochus Epiphanes IV, whose antiquities were extrapolated by the prophet Daniel into a yet future resemblance, whose immediate and striking similarities should astonish the most formidable skeptic; to wit:

Pardon my parenthetical discretions:

"Thus he (the ultimate Antichrist) shall act against the strongest fortresses . . . he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for profit . . . at the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him (Antichrist); and the king of the North shall come against him (Antichrist) . . . He (Antichrist) shall also enter the Glorious Land (Israel), and many countries shall be overthrown . . . He (Antichrist) shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt (the peoples of the Middle East) shall not escape . . . He (Antichrist) shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; also the Libyans and Ethiopians shall follow at his heels . . . But news from the east and the north shall trouble him (Antichrist); therefore HE SHALL GO OUT WITH GREAT FURY TO DESTROY AND ANNIHILATE MANY . . . and he shall plant the tents of his palace between the seas and the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and no one will help him" (Daniel 11:39-45).

The Tribulation Network